The government has asked the maritime states in India to formulate a strong oil spill contingency plan for speedy clearance of oil spills, whenever such a situation occurs  The government seems to have woken up to the need of having a strong oil spill contingency plan in order to clear oil spills following maritime disasters. Speaking to the press after the 12th meeting of the Maritime States Development Council, Union minister of Shipping G K Vasan said that Indian ports must equip themselves to clear small oil spillages by signing contracts with agencies, which have the expertise in clearing oil spills. This statement has come in wake of the oil spill caused due to the collision between MSC Chitra and Khalijia 3 last month for which Smit Salvage, a division of Smit International had been approached and help from Singapore-based experts was sought. Due to the oil spill, operations at Jawaharlal Nehru and Mumbai ports were shut down for several days resulting in huge trade loss.
Importance of oil spill contingency plan
In this context, Praveen Agarwal, chairman of Mormugao Port Trust, while speaking to a ShippingBiz360 correspondent said, “It is important to have oil spill plans handy as such spills result in environmental degradation. We have tie-ups with various international agencies that are responsible for clearing spills within the port operational area. Besides, we have also forged tie-ups with various oil companies that have the required equipment to clear spills and we conduct mock drills to ensure preparedness during any such situation.” Mr Agarwal added that if spillage happens to be outside the port operational area, then help of coast guard is taken.
Meanwhile, a scheme has been proposed under which oil cess of 50 paisa per tonne, on import of crude products, collected at ports will be used to fight pollution caused due to oil spillage. Very soon guidelines will be issued to all maritime boards and coastal states to ensure safe handling of hazardous products.
Arup Choudhury |
